State of Vermont
Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation

Compliance & Enforcement Division

The Compliance & Enforcement Division enforces the environmental laws and regulations administered by various programs within the Agency of Natural Resources.

The investigative unit of the Compliance & Enforcement Division consists of eight Environmental Enforcement Officers (EEOs), each covering a geographical district in the State. The EEOs investigate environmental complaints made by citizens, State agencies, and Federal agencies. Some examples of complaints handled by EEOs include: illegal handling and disposal of solid and hazardous waste; illegal open burning of prohibited materials; lake encroachments; wetlands violations; and various water quality complaints. Following investigation many of these complaints are referred to the Division’s legal team for formal enforcement.

The Compliance & Enforcement Division legal team is staffed by two attorneys and the Division Director. They pursue formal enforcement actions against environmental violators in the State. These actions can conclude with a negotiated settlement or, if contested, a trial before the judge of the Environmental Court. The majority of these actions seek penalties and remediation. A number of major cases are also referred to the Attorney General who may file and prosecute a civil action or a criminal charge. Lesser criminal offenses may also be referred to the State's Attorney in the county where the offense occurred.